Privacy screens and smart irrigation systems are 2025’s top balcony and garden trends
4.7.2025
Translation: Katherine Martin
From the countryside to the cities, people are transforming their balconies and gardens into their very own functional oases. Privacy screens and automatic irrigation systems are in particularly high demand in 2025.
Sometimes, a single glance over the balcony ledge is enough to earn you an awkward moment of eye contact with the neighbour opposite. If you live in this kind of setup, you’ll know what it’s like to feel as if you’re constantly being watched. With this in mind, it’s unsurprising that privacy features heavily in this year’s list of outdoor furniture and accessory trends. Products such as fence-style screens, bamboo shades and retractable balcony screens have seen a 51.2 per cent increase in sales compared to the same period last year. «If you’re relaxing outside, you don’t want to feel like you’re on show,» says Murat Circi, Category Team Leader for DIY + Garden at Galaxus. «We’ve seen a tangible increase in demand for more secluded spaces, especially in high-density residential areas.»
Smart irrigation systems remove the hassle of watering plants
An increasing number of customers are prioritising efficiency when it comes to their balconies, with sales of irrigation systems increasing 45 per cent compared to last year. Sets that include a water tank and solar panel, allowing them to water plants without the need for a tap or electricity connection, are proving especially popular. They’re ideal for customers who don’t have a hose connection or plug socket on their balcony.
«Many of our customers live in rented apartments, where systems like these are a real game changer,» says Murat Circi. «Once you install them, they run automatically – even while you’re away on your summer holiday.»
Balcony trends focused on functionality and space saving in 2025
In addition to privacy screens and plant protection products, awnings (+22.4%), sun loungers (+22%), weather protection covers (+17.4%) and fly screens (+21.3%) have recorded some of the strongest sales growth this year. «Customers are looking for products that can be adapted to the weather, their neighbourhood or the time of day,» says Murat. Large furniture and setups requiring a lot of space are less in demand in 2025. Sales of garden lounge chairs are down 19 per cent on last year, while garden benches have seen a decrease of 28 per cent. Vertical gardens are still seeing surprisingly low sales despite being a space-saving solution.
Solar power generation for balcony pros
If you’re a tech buff, balcony power stations can be a handy addition to a balcony. These small or medium-sized solar panels have a socket connection or an inverter that converts direct current into alternating current, then feeds it into the socket. In Switzerland, you can get a 600-watt system without a permit. In Germany, the threshold was recently increased to 800 watts. You can conveniently mount the systems on a balcony railing and have them generate electricity for your home or devices. «This modest investment allows you to reduce your own energy consumption. Of course, it’ll only work if you have a power socket nearby,» says Murat. If you position the solar panels cleverly, they’ll even double as a privacy screen.
Fly screens
EUR22,46
tesa Insect screen COMFORT for windows, with Velcro tape, self-adhesive, without drilling
The roundup: little spaces have a lot of potential
Outdoor trends for 2025 show that balconies are becoming more functional, more sophisticated and more unique. Instead of splashing out on a large furniture set, many customers are investing in compact, smart technologies instead. «If you only have a little outdoor space, you want to make the most of it and use it for relaxation, plant care and a bit of alone time,» says Murat Circi.
What have you bought for your balcony in 2025? Are there any essentials you haven’t snapped up yet?
Header image: temizyurek / iStockphoto
Daniel Borchers
Senior Communications Manager
Daniel.Borchers@galaxus.deA soft spot for good series, loud music, science fiction and (second division) football. As PR Manager, I am available to answer journalists' questions about Galaxus and honest e-commerce.
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